Image processing apparatus

ABSTRACT

An image processing apparatus including an image storage for storing image data is disclosed. A first managing section generates first management information for managing the image data, which are to be stored in the image storage, on a single unit image basis. A second managing section generates second management data for managing one or more unit images as a single image file. An image data managing method for the image processing apparatus is also disclosed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a digital copier or similar imageprocessing apparatus and more particularly to an image processingapparatus capable of storing mass image data.

Today, a digital copier of the type including a semiconductor memory,large-capacity hard disk or similar image storing means for storingdocument image data is available. This type of digital copier is capableof producing a plurality of copiers of a document by scanning thedocument only once or electronically sorting prints in order of page.Also, the copier is capable of storing image data output from a scanneror image data representative of text codes arranged in a bit map in alarge-capacity hard disk, so that the image data can be output in thefuture.

Further, the image data stored in the hard disk can be transferred to astoring medium removably mounted to the copier for a backup or along-time storage purpose. More specifically, the digital copier isprovided with an external image storing device and an internal imagestoring device. The external image storing device writes or reads imagedata in or out of the removable storing medium. The internal imagestoring device stores image data read out of documents or image datatransferred from the external image storing device. The removablestoring medium may be implemented as a CD-R (CD Readable), CD-RW(CD-ReWritable), large capacity DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), data tapeor similar mass storing medium.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 63-146555, for example,discloses an image processing apparatus constructed to store informationand an operation procedure program necessary for copying in a removablestoring medium together with image data. This apparatus is directedtoward efficient manual operation.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 1-256269 teaches an imageprocessing apparatus capable of storing not only image data but alsoinformation representative of the date of storage of the image data in aremovable storing medium. This apparatus allows the image data to berapidly read out when they are again printed on paper sheets.

It is a common practice with a conventional image processing apparatusincluding the internal image storing device, removable storing medium orsimilar image storing means to store image data representative of one ormore pages, e.g., a single document in the storing means as a singleimage file. A particular file name is attached to each image file formanagement. When the operator of the apparatus selects a desired filename out of a list of file names or inputs it, an image file designatedby the file name is read out of the image storing means on a file basis.The image data of the image file read out are displayed or printed on apaper sheet, as desired. Information indicative of correspondencebetween the image file names or file numbers and the locations thereofin the image storing means is prepared as management information. Whenthe operator designates a desired image file name, the apparatusaccesses the location of the image storing means corresponding to theimage file name and reads out an image file designated by the image filename.

The above described image processing apparatus, however, has thefollowing problem left unsolved. The image data to be stored in theimage storing means are managed on the basis of a single image fileincluding one or more pages, as stated earlier. It is thereforeimpossible to read out only particular pages out of a plurality ofpages, e.g., page 1 of an image file A and page 2 of an image file B. Toprint, e.g., only a particular page of a single image file, it has beencustomary to read the entire image file including the particular pageout of the image storing means, causing the operator to select theparticular page, and then output the page selected. Such a procedure istime-consuming. This problem is more serious when use is made of aremovable storing medium whose reading rate is low or when an image fileincludes a number of pages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an imageprocessing apparatus capable of reading the entire designated data madeup of a plurality of pages and stored in an image storing means or onlydesired part of the entire image data, as desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription taken with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a view showing an image processing apparatus embodying thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary plan view of an operation panel included in theillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a view showing a specific picture to appear on an LCD (LiquidCrystal Display) touch panel mounted on the operation panel;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing a control systemincluded in the illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram showing a main controller includedin the control system specifically;

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram showing an image processing unitalso included in the control system specifically;

FIG. 7 is a timing chart demonstrating a specific operation of thecontrol system;

FIG. 8 is a table listing exemplary video paths available with theillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a view showing a specific picture associated with a copyapplication installed in the illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram showing the system of theillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a view showing a specific format of information generated bythe main controller;

FIG. 12 is a table listing specific location management informationincluded in the format of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a table listing specific image attribute management data alsoincluded in the format of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a table listing specific image file names and specificpointers;

FIGS. 15 and 16 are flowcharts each demonstrating a particular operationof the illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a view showing a specific format of informationrepresentative of an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a table listing specific records each corresponding to aparticular image file included in the format of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a table listing specific allocation data;

FIG. 20 is a table listing specific cluster information;

FIG. 21 is a table listing specific file information; and

FIGS. 22 and 23 are flowcharts each demonstrating a particular operationof the alternative embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings, an image processing apparatusembodying the present invention is shown and includes an ADF (AutomaticDocument Feeder) 1. The operator of the apparatus stacks documents on atray 2, which is included in the ADF 1, face up. The operator thenpresses a start key arranged on an operation panel, which will bedescribed specifically later. In response, a feed roller 3 and a belt 4cooperate to sequentially feed the bottom document to the top documentto a preselected position on a glass platen 6. The apparatus has afunction of counting the documents every time the feed of one documentcompletes.

A reading unit 20 reads the image of the document positioned on theglass platen 6. The belt 4 and a discharge roller 5 cooperate todischarge the document read by the reading unit 20. When a documentsensor 7 senses another document present on the tray 2, the document isconveyed to the glass platen 6 in the same manner as the previousdocument.

A first, a second and a third tray 8, 9 and 10 each are loaded with astack of paper sheets. A first, a second and a third paper feeder 11, 12and 13 feed the paper sheets from the first, second and third trays 8, 9and 10, respectively. A vertical conveying unit 14 conveys the papersheet fed from any one of the trays 8 through 10 to a position where thepaper sheet contacts a photoconductive element 15. In the illustrativeembodiment, the photoconductive element 15 is implemented as a drum. Awriting unit 27 scans the drum 15 with a laser beam in accordance withimage data output from the reading unit 20 to thereby form a latentimage. A developing unit 31 develops the latent image and therebyproduces a corresponding toner image. The toner image is transferredfrom the drum 15 to the paper sheet being conveyed by a belt 16 at aspeed equal to the rotation speed of the drum 15. A fixing unit 17 fixesthe toner image on the paper sheet. A paper discharging unit 18discharges the paper sheet carrying the fixed image thereon to afinisher 40.

The finisher 40 selectively guides the paper sheet toward dischargerollers 42 or a stapling section. Specifically, a path selector 41steers the paper sheet toward a print tray 44 via the discharge rollers42 when positioned upward or steers it toward a staple tray 47 viarollers 45 and 46. Every time a paper sheet is driven out to the stapletray 47, a jogger 48 positions the edge of the paper sheet.

When a single copy, i.e., a single set of copies is completed on thestaple tray 47, a stapler 49 staples it. The stapled copy drops onto atray 50 due to its own weight. The print tray 44 is movable in adirection perpendicular to the direction of paper conveyance for everydocument or for an automatically sorted copy, thereby sorting prints.

In a duplex mode for forming images on both sides of a paper sheet, apath selector 52 is positioned upward. In this condition, the papersheet fed from any one of the trays 8 through 10 and carrying an imageon one side thereof is not steered toward the finisher 40, but issteered toward and laid on a refeeding unit 51. The refeeding unit 51again feeds the paper sheet toward the drum 15, so that an image isformed on the other side of the paper sheet. At this instant, the pathselector 52 is positioned downward in order to steer the above papersheet, or duplex print, toward the path selector 41 included in thefinisher 40.

A main motor, not shown, drives the drum 15, belt 16, fixing unit 17,paper discharging unit 18, and developing unit 31. The rotation of themain motor is transferred to the paper feeders 11 through 13 viaclutches. Also, the rotation of the main motor is transferred to thevertical conveying unit 14 via an intermediate clutch.

The reading unit 20 includes scanning optics in addition to the glassplaten 6. The scanning optics includes lamps 21, a first mirror 22, alens 23, and a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor 24. The lamps 21and first mirror 22, as well as a second mirror 25 and a third mirror26, are mounted on a carriage not shown. A scanner motor, not shown,drives the scanning optics. The CCD image sensor 24 reads the image of adocument and outputs a corresponding electric signal.

The writing unit 27 includes a laser unit 28, a lens 29 and a mirror 30.The laser unit 28 accommodates a laser diode and a polygonal mirror. Amotor, not shown, causes the polygonal mirror to rotate at a high,constant speed.

The writing unit 27 emits a laser beam so as to scan the surface of thedrum 15. A beam sensor, not shown, adjoins one end of the drum 15 andoutputs a main scan synchronizing signal by sensing the laser beam.

FIG. 2 shows a specific configuration of an operation panel 60 includedin the illustrative embodiment. As shown, the operation panel 60includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) touch panel 61, numeral keys62, a clear/stop key 63, a print key 64, a preheat key 65, a reset key66, an initial set key 67, a copy key 68, and a copy server key 69. Thetouch panel 61 displays function keys, the number of copies, messagesrepresentative of the statuses of the apparatus, and so forth.

By pressing the initial set key 67, it is possible to customize theinitial conditions of the apparatus, as desired. With the key 67, it isalso possible to set the sizes of paper sheets disposed in the apparatusor to set desired conditions to occur when a mode clear key, not shown,assigned to a copying function is pressed. Further, the key 67 allows anapplication to be selected when the operation panel 60 is not operatedover a preselected period of time to be set. In addition, the key 67allows a transition time to a power saving state to be set or allows atransition time to an automatic off/sleep mode to be set.

When the preheat key 65 is pressed, the apparatus in a stand-by stateenters into a power saving state and lowers a fixing temperature andturns off indications on the operation panel 60. The copy server key 68is used to execute a copy server function that shifts or copies imagedata stored in a video memory, not shown, built in the apparatus to orin an external image memory not shown. The copy server will be describedspecifically later.

FIG. 3 shows a specific picture to appear on the touch panel 61 when thecopy server key 69 is pressed. When the operator touches any one of keysincluded in the specific picture, the key is reversed to black while afunction associated with the key is set up. When the operator, intendingto input details of the function selected (e.g. printing conditions),touches a preselected key, a picture for inputting the details appearson the touch panel 61 in place of the picture shown in FIG. 3. The touchpanel 61 is implemented by a dot display and can therefore graphicallydisplay adequate information in accordance with the instantaneouscircumstance.

The picture shown in FIG. 3 includes various image control informationfor specifying the image data stored in the internal video memory, i.e.,user IDs (identification), document names, numbers of pages, times ofstorage, a printing order, and sizes (amounts of data). A user ID isassigned by a printer driver included in a personal computer, which isconnected to the apparatus, and therefore displayed only at the time ofstorage using the printer function. A document name is attached everytime an image is stored. A number of page is representative of thenumber of document images stored. A time of storage is representative ofthe time of storage of image data. A printing order is assigned when aplurality of image data stored are to be printed. Such image managementinformation are stored in an NV-RAM (NonVolatile Random Access Memory).The picture shown in FIG. 3 additionally includes a key labeled “Copy toExternal Medium”. This key may be pressed to copy image information(image data and image management information) in an external imagememory.

FIG. 4 shows a control system including a main controller 70. The maincontroller 70 controls the entire apparatus. The operation panel 60 isconnected to the main controller 70. Also connected to the maincontroller 70 are an image processing unit (IPU) 80 and the ADF 1. TheIPU 80 controls a scanner, controls the writing of document image datain the video memory, and controls image formation to be executed withthe image data stored in the video memory. Further connected to the maincontroller 70 are a main motor 32 and clutches (CL) 34, 35, 36 and 37necessary for, e.g., paper conveyance.

FIG. 5 shows essential part of the main controller specifically. Asshown, the main controller 70 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit)71, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 72 storing a program to be executed by theCPU 71, and a RAM 73 for storing, e.g., interim data. If desired, theprogram may be partly stored in the ROM 72 and partly loaded from a harddisk drive, not shown, to the RAM 73.

Reference will be made to FIG. 6 for describing a specific configurationof the IPU 80. As shown, the IPU 80 includes the CCD image sensor 24 fortransforming a reflection from a document, which is illuminated by thelamps 21, to an electric signal. An ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter) 81converts the electric signal to a digital signal or image data. Ashading correction 82 executes shading correction with the image data.An MTF (Modulation Transfer Function) and γ correction 83 executes MTFand γ correction with the image data output from the shading correction82. A magnification change 84 executes enlargement or reduction with theimage data output from the correction 83 in accordance with amagnification change ratio selected. A selector 85 selectively deliversthe image data output from the magnification change 84 to a write γcorrecting unit 89 or a video memory controller 86. The write γcorrecting unit 89 corrects the write γ of the image data in accordancewith image forming conditions and feeds the corrected image data to thewriting unit 27.

The video memory controller 86 and selector 85 are capable ofinterchanging image data with each other. The IPU 80 additionallyincludes a CPU 88, a ROM 90, a RAM 91, and an NV-RAM 92. The CPU 88controls the setting of the video memory controller 86 and controls thereading unit 20 and writing unit 27. The ROM 90, RAM 91 and NV-RAM 92store a program meant for the CPU 88 and data. The CPU 88 is capable ofwriting and reading data out of a video memory 87 via the video memorycontroller 86.

The video memory controller 86 includes a section for compressing theimage data input via the selector 85. The compressed image data arewritten to the video memory 87. Image data with 256 tonality levels,which corresponds to the largest image size, may be directly written tothe video memory 87 without compression, if desired. The illustrativeembodiment compresses the image data in order to effectively use thelimited capacity of the video memory 87. Further, the compression allowsmass image data to be stored in the video memory 87 at a time, so thatin a sort mode the image data can be read out of the video memory 87 inorder of page. An expanding section also included in the video memorycontroller 86 sequentially expands the image data read out of the videomemory 87.

Furthermore, image data representative of a plurality of documents maybe sequentially written to the divided portions of the area of the videomemory 87 corresponding to a single paper sheet. For example, image datarepresentative of four documents may be sequentially written to thequadrisect areas of the video memory 87 corresponding to a single papersheet. In such a case, the four documents will be combined and printedon a single paper sheet.

The CPU 88 is capable of accessing the image data stored in the videomemory 87. This allows the image data stored in the video memory 87 tobe reduced, cut out or otherwise processed. This can be done by writingcontrol data in a register included in the video memory controller 86.The processed image data are again written to the video memory 87.

The video memory 87 is divided into a plurality of areas in accordancewith the size of image data to be processed, so that the input andoutput of image data can be executed at the same time. For this purpose,the video memory 87 is interfaced to the video memory controller 86 bytwo sets of address and data lines, one for reading and the other forwriting. This configuration allows image data to be written to, e.g., anarea 1 and allows image data to be read out of an area 2 at the sametime.

Further, the CPU 88 is capable of transferring the image data read outof the image data to the operation panel 60 via an I/O (Input/Output)port 93. Because display resolution available with the operation panel60 is generally low, the image data read out of the video memory 87 arereduced, or thinned, and then sent to the operation panel 60.

A hard disk drive 94 may be used in addition to the video memory 87because the video memory 87 stores mass image data. The hard disk drive94 permanently stores image data even when a power switch provided onthe apparatus is turned off. In this case, the video memory 87 and harddisk drive 94 constitute the internal memory or image storing means. Thevideo memory 87 constitutes the image storing means alone when the harddisk drive 94 is absent. It is a common practice to use the hard diskdrive 94 when a plurality of regular or formatted documents are read bya scanner and stored.

An external image storing device 95 includes a removable storing medium,e.g., CD-R, CD-RW or DVD. An SCSI (Small Computer System Interface)controller 96 controls the bus of the external image storing device 95in the event of writing or reading of image data. At this instant, theimage data are once written to the video memory 87 in order to absorbdifferences between the above writing or reading operation and the imageformation and read-out from the scanner. More specifically, image dataoutput from the scanner are written to the external image storing device95 by way of the video memory 87 without exception. Also, image datareadout of the external image storing device 95 are sent to the writingunit 27 by way of the video memory 27 without exception.

The video memory controller 86 determines a video path when image dataare written to or read out of the video memory 87, hard disk drive 94 orexternal image storing device 95, when image data output from a scanner(e.g. reading unit 20) are input, or when the image data to be sent tothe writing unit 27 are output. FIG. 8 shows some specific video paths.The CPU 88 determines the destination of image data to be input oroutput, allowing the video memory controller 86 to switch the flow ofimage data.

FIG. 7 shows a specific transfer timing of one page of image data viathe selector 85. In FIG. 7, /FGATE is representative of a valid periodof one page of image data in the subscanning direction. /LSYNC isrepresentative of a line-by-line main scan synchronizing signal; theimage data is validated by a preselected clock after the positive-goingedge of the signal /LSYNC. A signal /LGATE indicates that the image datain the main scanning direction is valid. These signals are synchronousto a pixel clock VCLK. A single pixel, eight bits (256 tonality levels)of data is input to the selector 85 for a single period of the pixelclock VCLK. In the illustrative embodiment, image data are printed on apaper sheet at a density of 400 dpi (dots per inch) while the maximumnumber of pixels is 4,800 in the main scanning direction and 6,800 inthe subscanning direction. Also, image data are assumed to approach awhite image as they approach 255.

FIG. 9 shows a specific picture available with a copy application, whichis one of applications installed in the apparatus. The copy applicationis conventional and will be note described specifically.

Reference will be made to FIG. 10 for describing a specific systemconfiguration of the apparatus. As shown, the system includes a copyserver application processing section (COPY SERVER APPL.) consisting ofhardware and software. This processing section plays the role of meansfor processing the image data stored in the internal image storingdevice. The system additionally includes a copy application processingsection (COPY APPL.) and a printer application processing section(PRINTER APPL.). These processing sections each operate independently ofthe others. A system controller arbitrates the operation panel, orshared resource, 60 and a panel, a peripheral unit (e.g. ADF 1) and aperipheral unit controller, an image forming device (e.g. writing unit27) and a device controller, the image reading device (e.g. reading unit20) and a device controller, and a memory unit. Such controllers areimplemented by the main controller 70 and IPU 80.

Operation picture information associated with the application processingsections each can be written in a particular virtual picture regionprovided by the panel controller (memory region corresponding to anactual picture). More specifically, the panel controller arranges theoperation picture information designated by the system controller in anactual picture and displays it. When the external image storing device95 is implement as a unit separate from the apparatus, it is connectedto the connection portion of the SCSI controller 96, FIG. 5, andcontrolled by the SCSI controller 96.

In the illustrative embodiment, the apparatus includes first, second andthird managing means. The first managing means generates and managesfirst management information for managing the image data stored in theinternal image storing means and external storing means on a unit imagebasis. The second managing means generates and manages second managementinformation for managing one or more unit images as a single image file.The third managing means generates and manages a list of image files asthird management information. The main controller 70, FIGS. 4 and 5,implements the first to third managing means. In the illustrativeembodiment, the internal storing means is the hard disk drive 94 or theRAM 73. The file configuration and operation of the illustrativeembodiment will be described hereinafter.

FIG. 11 shows a group of information generated by the main controller 70and including the first to third management information. The group ofinformation is stored in the hard disk drive 94 or the external imagestoring device 95. In FIG. 11, image attribute management informationconstitutes part of the first and second management data while imagefile list information corresponds to part of the second management dataand the third management information.

As shown in FIG. 11, the first field stores location management data.FIG. 12 shows a specific arrangement of the location management data. Asshown, the location management data is made up of a block number (BlockNo.), location information (Location), and occupied/unoccupiedinformation (Occupied/Unoccupied). As for a block number, a continuousimage data region for storing a plurality of image data is divided intoa plurality of blocks of the same size, and serial numbers are assignedto the consecutive blocks. A region allocated to the image attributemanagement data is independent of the image data region and has asmaller block size than the image data blocks.

The location information is indicative of the location of the head ofeach block and implemented by serial numbers sequentially attached tothe consecutive storage units of the image storing means (e.g. sectorsin the case of a hard disk). Because the block size is fixed, only thelocation information of the first block may be set, if desired. In sucha case, the locations of the other blocks will be calculated on thebasis of the block number. The word “occupied” means that the blockstores valid image data; “1” and “0” are assigned to “occupied” and“unoccupied”, respectively.

The field next to the location management data field stores image filelist data, e.g., file names attached to image files stored in the imagedata region. In addition, the above field stores pointer informationrepresentative of the heads of the image files in one-to-onecorrespondence to the file names. This field may further store the userIDs and the number of pages shown in FIG. 3, if desired.

The image file list data field is followed by consecutive image filefields each including an image data region, which stores image data, andan image attribute management data region. Specifically, as shown inFIG. 11, each image file stores image attribute management data at itsapparent head. When unit images constituting the image file are pageimages, image data representative of the first page and successive pagesare sequentially stored after the image attribute management data.However, the region where the image data are stored is not alwayscontinuous. That is, the illustrative embodiment references the locationmanagement data in order to obtain the block numbers attached tounoccupied blocks and then sequentially writes the image data in theunoccupied blocks. Further, if one page of image data overflows oneblock, then the image data will be discontinuous.

In light of the above, the image attribute data region stores the blocknumbers attached to the unit images (pages in the illustrativeembodiment), which constitute a single file. FIG. 13 shows specificimage attribute management data. FIG. 13 shows that a single image fileis made up of four consecutive pages, that the first page, for example,is stored in a block designated by a block No. 001, and that the secondpage is stored in three blocks designated by block Nos. 003, 004 and007. The image attribute management data region additionally storesattribute information attached to image data output from, e.g., ascanner. For example, the attribute information includes paper sizeinformation, simple/duplex copy information, print mode information andinformation for search, which may be used to print image data on papersheets.

With the first and second management information, the illustrativeembodiment allows the entire image file or only designated part of theimage file to be selectively output.

Assume that a removable storing medium, e.g., CD-RW is mounted to theexternal image storing device 95, and that one of image data stored inthe hard disk drive 94 is written to the storing medium. How thelocation management data, image attribute management data and image filelist data are generated and used under the above situation will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 15. It is to be noted that in theillustrative embodiment the main controller 70 generates and uses themanagement data. The storing medium is assumed to have stored some imagefiles beforehand.

As shown in FIG. 15, the operator mounts the storing medium to theexternal image storing device 95 and then presses the copy server key 69present on the operation panel 60. In response to the resulting writecommand, the main controller 70 recognizes the command (step S1) andthen loads the RAM 73 thereof with the location management data andimage file list data stored in the storing medium (step S2).Specifically, because the regions where the location management data andimage file list data are stored are known beforehand, informationindicative of such regions are set in the program beforehand. At thetime of loading, the main controller 70 delivers a read request,including the such information, to the IPU 80.

In response, the CPU 88 included in the IPU 80 transfers the readrequest to the external image storing device 95 via the video memorycontroller 86. This storing device 95 reads data out of the designatedregions and feeds them to the video memory controller 86. The videomemory controller 86 writes the data received from the storing device 95in the RAM 91. Further, the CPU 88 delivers the received data to themain controller 70. The CPU 71 of the main controller 70 writes theinput data in the RAM 73.

The CPU 71 writes the location management data and image file list dataso loaded in the hard disk drive 94 and holds them in the hard diskdrive 94 so long as the storing medium is present in the external imagestoring device 95. If the RAM 91 is backed up by a power source, theabove data may be stored in the RAM 91.

Subsequently, the main controller 70 obtains the image attributemanagement data from the image file to be shifted to the recordingmedium, as will be described specifically later. It is to be noted thatwhile the above image file is stored in the hard disk drive 95, theyhave the same configuration as described with reference to FIG. 11. Themain controller 70 then obtains the number of block of the individualpage included in the image file, thereby producing a total number ofblocks (step S3). Further, the main controller 70 references the loadedlocation management data in order to obtain unoccupied block numbers tobe allocated to image attribute management data and image data (stepS4). The main controller 70 then writes “1” in the “occupied/unoccupied”regions corresponding to the unoccupied block numbers obtained (stepS5). At the same time, the main controller 70 adds the file name of theimage file to the loaded image file list data (step S5). At thisinstant, the main controller 70 adds pointer information indicative ofthe head of the image file in relation to the file name also. Thispointer information is the location information of the blocks allocatedto image attribute management data.

After the step S5, the main controller 70 generates image attributemanagement data particular to the image file (step S6). Specifically,the main controller 70 updates the block numbers shown in FIG. 13, whichhave already been read out of the hard disk drive 94 and set as imageattribute management data of the image file, by using the block numbersobtained in the step S4.

Subsequently, the main controller 70 delivers a write request to the IPU80. The write request is accompanied by the image attribute managementdata and information designating a region for storing them, i.e., thelocation information. The CPU 88 then sends to the external imagestoring device 95 a write request in which the received regioninformation and image attribute management data are representative of awrite region and data, respectively. In response, the external imagestoring device 95 writes the image attribute management data in thedesignated region of the storing medium mounted thereto (step S7).

Further, the main controller 70 obtains, based on the non-updated blocknumbers of the consecutive pages of the image file not updated, theregion of the hard disk drive 94 from which the consecutive pages shouldbe read out. Also, the main controller 70 obtains, based on the updatedblock numbers of the above pages, the region of the storing medium towhich the consecutive pages should be written. The main controller 70delivers a shift request, including such two regions, to the IPU 80. Inresponse, the IPU 88 delivers control data to the video memorycontroller 86 to thereby cause it to select a video path extending fromthe hard disk drive 94 to the external image storing device 95. Thevideo memory controller 86 reads the consecutive pages of image data outof the hard disk drive 94 and sequentially transfers them to theexternal image storing device 95 via the image path selected. Theexternal image storing device 95 writes the received image data in thestoring medium (step S8).

It is to be noted that the main controller 70 updates the locationmanagement data and image file list data stored in the hard disk 94 atthe same time as it updates the above-described location management dataand image file list data.

Assume that a CD-RW or similar storing medium is mounted to the externalimage storing device 95, and that the designated page of a designatedimage file should be read out of the recording medium and printed on apaper sheet. This procedure will be described with reference to FIG. 16.First, the operator mounts the storing medium to the external imagestoring device 95 and then presses the copy server key 69 present on theoperation panel 60. The main controller 70 recognizes the resulting readcommand (step S11) and then loads its RAM 73 with location managementdata and image file list data stored in the storing medium (step S12).

Because the regions where the location management data and image filelist data are stored are known beforehand, information indicative ofsuch regions are set in the program beforehand. At the time of loading,the main controller 70 delivers a read request, including the suchinformation, to the IPU 80. In response, the CPU 88 of the IPU 80delivers the read request to the external image storing device 95 viathe video memory controller 86. The external image storing device 95reads data out of the designated region and delivers them to the videomemory controller 86. The video memory controller 86 writes the receiveddata in the RAM 91. Further, the video memory controller 86 delivers thedata stored in the RAM 91 to the main controller 70. The CPU 71 of themain controller 70 stores the input data in the RAM 73.

The CPU 71 stores the loaded location management data and image filelist data in the hard disk drive 94 and holds them in the hard diskdrive 94 so long as the recording medium is present in the externalimage storing device 95. Again, if the RAM 91 is backed up by a powersource, the above data may be stored in the RAM 91.

Subsequently, the main controller 70 causes, based on the image filelist data loaded in the RAM 73, the LCD touch panel 61 to display a listof image file names. The operator, watching the touch panel 61, inputs adesired page on the numeral keys 62 (or inputs only a file name whendesiring all pages) (step S13). The main controller 70 obtains locationinformation representative of a block allocated to the image attributemanagement data, which corresponds to the file name selected, out of theimage file list data. The main controller 70 then delivers to the IPU 80a read request in which the location information designates a region tobe read out.

The CPU 88 of the IPU 80 sends a read request to the external imagestoring device 95 in accordance with the designation. The external imagestoring device 95 reads data out of the designated block of the imagestoring means and transfers them to the video memory controller 86.Subsequently, the main controller 70 loads the RAM 73 with the abovedata, i.e., the image attribute management data of the designated file,as stated earlier (step S14).

After the step S14, the main controller 70 obtains the block number ofthe designated page from the image attribute management data (step S15).The main controller 70 then obtains location information correspondingto the block number from the loaded location management data (step S16).Subsequently, the main controller 70 feeds to the IPU 80 a read requestin which the location information designates a region to be read out.

The CPU 88 of the IPU 80 sends a read request to the external imagestoring device 95 in accordance with the designation, causing the device95 to select a video path between it and the video memory 87. Theexternal image storing device 95 reads data out of the designated blockof the storing medium and transfers them to the video memory 87 via thevideo path (step S17). Further, the image data stored in the videomemory 87 are transferred to the writing unit 27 via the memorycontroller 86 and selector 86 and printed on a paper sheet thereby (stepS18).

It is to be noted that the loaded image attribute management data areheld in the hard disk drive 94 or the RAM 73 so long as the storingmedium is present in the external image storing device 95.

The operator may designate a plurality of pages of a single image fileor even a plurality of pages of different image files, e.g., page m ofan image file A and page n of an image file B. In the case of aplurality of pages of a single file, the steps S15 through S18 of FIG.16 are repeated. When the entire image file is designated, the steps S15through S18 are repeated a number of times corresponding to the numberof pages. As for a plurality of pages of different image files, thesteps 14 through S18 are repeated.

Assume that image data are written to or read out of the storing mediumexisting in the external image storing device 95 a second successivetimes. Then, the main controller 70 reads the location management dataand image file list data stored in the hard disk drive 94 or the RAM 73.This is successful to increase the reading speed, compared to the casewherein such data are again read out of the storing medium.

When the storing medium is to be removed from the external image storingdevice 95, the location management data and image file list data storedin the medium must be replaced with the data stored in, e.g., the harddisk drive 94. For this purpose, a locking mechanism is arranged in partof the external image storing device 95 configured to receive thestoring medium. The locking mechanism locks the storing medium when itis mounted to the image storing device 95. When the operator inputs a“medium removal” command on the operation panel 60, the lockingmechanism unlocks the storing medium after the main controller 70 haswritten the location management data and image file list data of, e.g.,the hard disk drive 94 in the medium. At this instant, the maincontroller 70 deletes the location management data, image file list dataand image attribute management data of the storing medium stored in thehard disk drive 94 or the RAM 73.

An alternative embodiment of the present invention will be describedhereinafter. In this embodiment, the main controller 70 generates thefollowing data and information:

(a) image file list data listing image files stored in the internalimage storing device, removable storing medium or similar image storingmeans;

(b) allocation data (FAT) for managing image data on a single unit imagebasis, e.g., a singe page basis;

(c) file structure information for managing a single unit image or aplurality of unit images as a single image file; and

(d) cluster information for managing, e.g., a condition in which theindividual cluster or block constituting a unit image is used.

The main controller 70 stores the image file list data, allocation data,file structure information and cluster information while relating themto image data stored in the image storing means. The allocation datacorresponds to the first management information stated earlier. The filestructure data corresponds to the second management information exceptthat image numbers (pointers to allocation data) included therein arethe first management information at the same time. The image file listdata corresponds to the third management data except that file numbers(pointers to the file structure data) included therein are the secondmanagement data at the same time.

FIG. 17 shows a specific group of information including image file listdata, allocation data (FAT), cluster information, and file structureinformation. Such a group of information is stored in the hard diskdrive 94 and the storing medium mounted to the external image storingdevice 95. As shown, the first field stores the image file list data. Asshown in FIG. 18 specifically, the first field stores document names(file names), user IDs and times of storage each relating to aparticular record (line), which corresponds to a particular image file.These information appear in the region shown in FIG. 3. In addition, theabove field stores file numbers each being attached to a particularimage file.

FIG. 19 shows specific allocation data. As shown, each record (line)consists of an image number attached to a unit image (e.g. one page),the image start address of the first block (cluster) in which the imagedata of the unit image is stored, and image size informationrepresentative of the number of blocks of the image unit. It is to benoted that the word “address” refers to one of serial numberssequentially attached to divided memory regions of equal size.

FIG. 20 shows specific cluster data stored in a field next to theallocation data field. As shown, each record consists of informationrepresentative of occupied/unoccupied and the address of the next blockallocated to the unit image designated by the image number. If the nextblock allocated to the unit image is absent, “END”, for example, maybewritten in place of the address.

In FIG. 20, continuous blocks are assigned to the unit image. However,some blocks may be skipped because the unoccupied blocks are not onlycontinuous. Numbers positioned at the left-hand side of FIG. 20 areblock numbers. Again, “occupied” and “unoccupied” are represented by “1”and “0”, respectively. If desired, “END” indicative of the last blockmay be replaced with an address value not occurring in practice (e.g.99999). Further, an address value not occurring in practice (e.g. 88888)may be written in the region assigned to the next block addresses inplace of the occupied/unoccupied region, in which case a block with suchan address value will be determined to be unoccupied.

FIG. 21 shows specific file structure information stored in a field nextto the cluster data field. As shown, assuming that a unit image includedin an image file is one page, then each record corresponding to aparticular file stores image numbers attached to consecutive pages inorder of page. This field additionally stores file attribute informationthat does not appear in the picture of FIG. 3, e.g., information to beused at the time of printing.

The file structure information field is followed by consecutive imagefile fields. When a unit image included in an image file is one page,the first page, second page and so forth are sequentially stored in thisorder. Because regions to be allocated to such consecutive pages are notalways continuous, a plurality of unoccupied blocks are obtained on thebasis of the cluster information, and then the pages are sequentiallystored in the unoccupied blocks. It follows that the unoccupied blocksare not continuous, i.e., the region where a single file of image datais stored is not continuous. Also, if one page of image data overflowsone block, the image data is sometimes not continuous.

Assume that a CD-RW or similar storing medium is removably mounted tothe external image storing device 95, and that a single image filestored in the hard disk drive 94 should be written to the storingmedium. FIG. 22 shows how the allocation data, cluster information, filestructure information and image file list data are generated and used inthe above assumed conditions. In the illustrative embodiment, the maincontroller 70 generates and uses such data and information. The storingmedium is assumed to have stored some image files beforehand.

As shown in FIG. 22, the operator mounts the recording medium to theexternal image storing device 95 and then presses the copy server key 69present on the operation panel 60. In response to the resulting writecommand, the main controller 70 recognizes the command (step S21) andcauses the external image storing device 95 to read the image data filelist data, allocation data, cluster information and file structureinformation out of the storing medium via the IPU 80 (step S22) so as toobtain such information.

After the step S22, the main controller 70 obtains the file number ofthe image file to be written to the storing medium from the image filelist data and obtains image numbers corresponding to the file number.The main controller 70 then obtains image sizes corresponding to theimage numbers from the allocation data to thereby determine a totalnumber of blocks required (step S23). Subsequently, the main controller70 references the cluster information in order to obtain unoccupiedregions for the image file, which correspond in number to the totalnumber of blocks, and block numbers attached to the unoccupied regions(step S24).

Further, by referencing the allocation data, the main controller 70obtains unused image numbers whose image start addresses and image sizesare blank over all of the pages of the image file (when a unit image isone page). The main controller 70 then writes the address of the firstone of the consecutive blocks while relating it to the image number ofthe first page of the image file. At the same time, the main controller70 writes the image size obtained from the allocation data whilerelating it to the above image number. Further, the main controller 70updates the first block to “occupied” and writes the address (calculatedfrom the block number) of the second block next to the above block. Themain controller 70 repeats such a procedure with the successive pages ofthe image file in order to update the allocation data and clusterinformation for the storing medium (step S25). The main controller 70then delivers the image data of the first image file to the IPU 80 andcauses it to write the image data in the blocks obtained in the storingmedium (step S26).

After the step S26, the main controller 70 writes the image numbers inthe file structure information for the storing medium and adds the imagefile list data of the first image file to the image file list data tothereby update the data (step S27). That is, the main controller 70shifts the image file list data of the first image file from the imagefile list data stored the hard disk drive 94 to the image file list datafor the storing medium.

Assume that a CD-RW or similar recording medium is mounted to theexternal image storing device 95, and that the designated page of adesignated image file should be read out of the recording medium andprinted on a paper sheet. This procedure will be described withreference to FIG. 23. First, the operator mounts the recording medium tothe external image storing device 95 and then presses the copy serverkey 69 present on the operation panel 60. The main controller 70recognizes the resulting read command (step S31) and then loads its RAM73 with image file list data, allocation data, cluster information andfile structure information stored in the recording medium (step S32).

More specifically, because the regions where the image file list data,allocation data, cluster information and file structure are stored areknown beforehand, information indicative of such regions are set in theprogram beforehand. At the time of loading, the main controller 70delivers a read request, including the such information, to the IPU 80.In response, the CPU 88 of the IPU 80 delivers the read request to theexternal image storing device 95 via the video memory controller 86. Theexternal image storing device 95 reads data out of the designated regionand delivers them to the video memory controller 86. The video memorycontroller 86 writes the received data in the RAM 91. Further, the videomemory controller 86 delivers the data stored in the RAM 91 to the maincontroller 70. The CPU 71 of the main controller 70 stores the inputdata in the RAM 73.

The CPU 71 stores the loaded image file list data, allocation data,cluster information and file structure information in the hard diskdrive 94 and holds them in the hard disk drive 94 so long as therecording medium is present in the external image storing device 95.Again, if the RAM 91 is backed up by a power source, the above data maybe stored in the RAM 91.

Subsequently, the main controller 70 causes, based on the image filelist data loaded in the RAM 73, the LCD touch panel 61 to display a listof document names (image file names) and user IDs. The operator,watching the touch panel 61, inputs a desired page on the numeral keys62 (or inputs only a file name when desiring all pages) (step S33). Themain controller 70 obtains the file number of the image file selected byreferencing the image file list data and then obtains an image numberattached to a page designated by the file number and present in the filestructure information (step S34). For example, if the file number andpage number are respectively 003 and 2 in FIG. 21, the main controller70 obtains an image number 008. Further, the main controller 70 obtainsfrom the allocation data the start address of the first blockcorresponding to the image number obtained and then obtains from thecluster information the addresses of successive blocks of the same page(step S35). Thereafter, the main controller 70 delivers a read requestincluding the addresses and data lengths to the IPU 80.

The CPU 88 of the IPU 80 sends a read request to the external imagestoring device 95 in accordance with the designation, causing the device95 to select a video path between it and the video memory 87. Theexternal image storing device 95 reads data out of the designated blocksof the storing medium and transfers them to the video memory controller86 via the above video path (step S36). Subsequently, the CPU 88delivers the image data stored in the video memory 87 to the writingunit 27 via the video memory controller 86 and selector 85 in responseto a request received from the main controller 70. The writing unit 27prints the image data on a paper sheet (step S37).

The operator may designate a plurality of pages of a single image fileor even a plurality of pages of different image files, e.g., page m ofan image file A and page n of an image file B. In the case of aplurality of pages of a single file, the steps S34 through S37 of FIG.23 are repeated. When the entire image file is designated, the steps S34through S37 are repeated a number of times corresponding to the numberof pages. When a plurality of pages of different image files aredesignated, the operator is urged to designate the desired image filesand pages in the step S33. The file numbers designated each are relatedto one or more of page numbers thereof and then stored in the RAM 73.Thereafter, the steps S34 through S37 are repeated.

Assume that image data are written to or read out of the storing mediumexisting in the external image storing device 95 a second andconsecutive times. Then, the main controller 70 reads the image filelist data, allocation data, cluster information and file structureinformation stored in the hard disk drive 94 or the RAM 73. This issuccessful to increase the reading speed, compared to the case whereinsuch data are again read out of the storing medium.

When the storing medium is to be removed from the external image storingdevice 95, the image file list data, allocation data, clusterinformation and file structure information stored in the medium must bereplaced with the data stored in, e.g., the hard disk drive 94. For thispurpose, a locking mechanism is arranged in part of the external imagestoring device 95 configured to receive the storing medium. The lockingmechanism locks the storing medium when the medium is mounted to theimage storing device 95. When the operator inputs a “medium removal”command on the operation panel 60, the locking mechanism unlocks thestoring medium after the main controller 70 has written the above dataand information of, e.g., the hard disk drive 94 in the medium. At thisinstant, the main controller 70 deletes the various management datastored in the hard disk drive 94 or the RAM.

While the illustrative embodiments shown and described have concentratedon a removable storing medium, the present invention is practicable evenwith a hard disk drive or similar image storing means built in an imageprocessing apparatus. The unit image may be smaller than or greater thanone page, if desired. A removable storing medium, for example, storing aprogram that causes a computer to executed the method of the presentinvention may be mounted to an image processing apparatus havingheretofore been unable to perform the above described image informationmanagement.

In summary, it will be seen that the present invention provides an imageprocessing apparatus having various unprecedented advantages, asenumerated below.

(1) First management information is generated for managing image data tobe stored in image storing means on a single unit image basis. Also,second management information is generated for managing one or more unitimages as a single image file. It is therefore possible to read theentire designated image data made up of a plurality of pages or onlydesired part of the entire image data out of the image storing means.

(2) Part of image data stored in an image file, which is specified bythe second management information, is specified by the first managementinformation on a unit image basis. It is therefore possible to read theentire designated image data made up of a plurality of pages or to read,at a high speed, only desired part of the entire image data out of theimage storing means.

(3) Third management information listing image files stored in the imagestoring means is generated and stored in the image storing means. Thisallows a list of image files to be easily read out and referenced.

(4) The first and second management information are stored in the imagestoring means in relation to image data. The first and second managementinformation can therefore be read out of the image storing means storingimage data, which include desired image data. This obviates anoccurrence that the first and second management information relating todesired image data are lost and prevent desired image data from beingread out.

(5) The image storing means is implemented by a storing medium removablefrom the apparatus. Therefore, even when the storing medium is shiftedfrom the apparatus to another image processing apparatus, only desiredpart of the entire image data can be read out at a high speed. This alsoallows a list of image files to be easily read out and referenced.

(6) At least one of the first, second and third management informationstored in the removable storing medium is written to storing means builtin the apparatus and is held therein until the medium has been removedfrom the apparatus. It follows that at least one of the three kinds ofmanagement information can be obtained without being read out of thestoring medium, reducing a data reading time.

(7) A method of the present invention can be stored in, e.g., theremovable storing medium as a program to be executed by a computer. Thisstoring medium may be mounted to an image processing apparatus havingheretofore been unable to perform image information management.

Various modifications will become possible for those skilled in the artafter receiving the teachings of the present disclosure withoutdeparting from the scope thereof.

1. An image managing apparatus including image storing means for storingimage data including a plurality of files, said image managing apparatuscomprising: means for separating each of the plurality of files into aplurality of single unit images; first managing means for generatingfirst management information used to manage the image data on a singleunit image basis; second managing means for generating second managementinformation used to manage an image file that comprises at least one ofthe plurality of single unit images; and means for individuallyaccessing at least one of the plurality of single unit images using atleast one of said first managing means and second managing means.
 2. Anapparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the image data are specified bysaid first management information out of an image file specified by saidsecond management information.
 3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2,further comprising third managing means for generating third managementinformation representative of a list of image files stored in said imagestoring means, said third management information being stored in theimage storing means.
 4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein theimage storing means comprises a storing medium removably mounted to saidapparatus.
 5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 4, further comprisinginternal storing means built in said apparatus for writing at least oneof said first management information, said second management informationand said third management information stored in the storing medium andholding said information until said storing medium has been removed fromsaid apparatus.
 6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein saidfirst management information and said second management information arestored in the image storing means in relation to the image data.
 7. Anapparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the image storing meanscomprises a storing medium removably mounted to said apparatus.
 8. Anapparatus as claimed in claim 7, further comprising internal storingmeans built in said apparatus for writing at least one of said firstmanagement information, said second management information and thirdmanagement information stored in the storing medium and holding saidinformation until said storing medium has been removed from saidapparatus.
 9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprisingthird managing means for generating third management informationrepresentative of a list of the image files stored in the image storingmeans, said third management information being stored in said imagestoring means.
 10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the imagestoring means comprises a storing medium removably mounted to saidapparatus.
 11. An apparatus as claimed in claim 10, further comprisinginternal storing means built in said apparatus for writing at least oneof said first management information, said second management informationand said third management information stored in the storing medium andholding said information until said storing medium has been removed fromsaid apparatus.
 12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein saidfirst management information and said second management information arestored in the image storing means in relation to the image data.
 13. Anapparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the image storing meanscomprises a storing medium removably mounted to said apparatus.
 14. Anapparatus as claimed in claim 13, further comprising internal storingmeans built in said apparatus for writing at least one of said firstmanagement information, said second management information and thirdmanagement information stored in the storing medium and holding saidinformation until said storing medium has been removed from saidapparatus.
 15. In an image information managing method for an imageprocessing apparatus including image storing means for storing imagedata including a plurality of files comprising: separating each of theplurality of image files into a plurality of single unit images;generating first management information; managing the image data on asingle unit basis using said first management information; producingsecond management information data; controlling an image file thatcomprises at least one of the plurality of single unit images using saidsecond management information; and individually accessing at least oneof the plurality of single unit images using at least one of said firstmanagement information and second management information.
 16. A methodas claimed in claim 15, wherein the image data are specified by saidfirst management information on a single unit image basis out of theimage file specified by said second management information.
 17. A methodas claimed in claim 16, wherein said method is stored in a computer as aprogram to be executed by said computer.
 18. A method as claimed inclaim 16, wherein the image storing means comprises a storing mediumremovably mounted to the image processing apparatus.
 19. A method asclaimed in claim 18, wherein said method is stored in a computer as aprogram to be executed by said computer.
 20. A method as claimed inclaim 16, wherein said first management information and said secondmanagement information are stored in the image storing means in relationto the image data.
 21. A method as claimed in claim 20, wherein saidmethod is stored in a computer as a program to be executed by saidcomputer.
 22. A method as claimed in claim 20, wherein the image storingmeans comprises a storing medium removably mounted to the imageprocessing apparatus.
 23. A method as claimed in claim 22, wherein saidmethod is stored in a computer as a program to be executed by saidcomputer.
 24. A method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the image storingmeans comprises a storing medium removably mounted to the imageprocessing apparatus.
 25. A method as claimed in claim 24, wherein saidmethod is stored in a computer as a program to be executed by saidcomputer.
 26. A method as claimed in claim 15, wherein said method isstored in a computer as a program to be executed by said computer. 27.An image managing apparatus including memory configured to store imagedata including a plurality of files, said image managing apparatuscomprising: a controller configured to separate each of the plurality offiles into a plurality of single unit images, generate first managementinformation used to manage the image data on a single unit image basis,generate second management information used to manage an image file thatcomprises at least one of the plurality of single unit images; and aselector configured to individually access at least one of the pluralityof single unit images using at least one of said first managementinformation and second management information.
 28. An apparatus asclaimed in claim 27, wherein the image data are specified by said firstmanagement information out of an image file specified by said secondmanagement information.
 29. An apparatus as claimed in claim 28, whereinthe controller is further configured to generate third managementinformation representative of a list of image files stored in saidmemory and store said third management information in the memory.
 30. Anapparatus as claimed in claim 29, wherein the memory comprises a storingmedium removably mounted to said apparatus.
 31. An apparatus as claimedin claim 30, further comprising internal memory built in said apparatusand configured to write at least one of said first managementinformation, said second management information and said thirdmanagement information stored in the storing medium and hold saidinformation until said storing medium has been removed from saidapparatus.
 32. An apparatus as claimed in claim 28, wherein said firstmanagement information and said second management information are storedin the memory in relation to the image data.
 33. An apparatus as claimedin claim 32, wherein the memory comprises a storing medium removablymounted to said apparatus.
 34. An apparatus as claimed in claim 33,further comprising internal memory built in said apparatus andconfigured to write at least one of said first management information,said second management information and third management informationstored in the storing medium and hold said information until saidstoring medium has been removed from said apparatus.
 35. An apparatus asclaimed in claim 27, wherein the controller is further configured togenerate third management information representative of a list of theimage files stored in the memory, and store said third managementinformation in said memory.
 36. An apparatus as claimed in claim 35,wherein the memory comprises a storing medium removably mounted to saidapparatus.
 37. An apparatus as claimed in claim 36, further comprisinginternal memory built in said apparatus and configured to write at leastone of said first management information, said second managementinformation and said third management information stored in the storingmedium and hold said information until said storing medium has beenremoved from said apparatus.
 38. An apparatus as claimed in claim 27,wherein said first management information and said second managementinformation are stored in the memory in relation to the image data. 39.An apparatus as claimed in claim 38, wherein the memory comprises astoring medium removably mounted to said apparatus.
 40. An apparatus asclaimed in claim 39, further comprising internal memory built in saidapparatus and configured to write at least one of said first managementinformation, said second management information and third managementinformation stored in the storing medium and hold said information untilsaid storing medium has been removed from said apparatus.